Best Insoles For Heels – Top Picks & Guide

Do your favorite high heels leave your feet aching after just a few hours? You love the look, but the pain is a real problem. Many people buy beautiful heels, only to find they can’t wear them for long. Choosing the right insoles for these stylish shoes can feel like a guessing game. There are so many types, materials, and shapes out there! How do you know which one will actually make a difference?

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in heel inserts. You will learn how to find the perfect cushion and support. Stop letting foot pain ruin your night out or long workday. Keep reading to discover the secrets to wearing heels comfortably all day long.

Top Insoles For Heels Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Dr. Scholl's Love Your Heels & Wedges 3/4 Length Insoles, All-Day Comfort for High Heeled Shoes, Relieve & Prevent Shoe Discomfort, Absorbs Shock, Arch Support, No-Show Discreet Insert, 1 Pair
  • IMMEDIATE COMFORT IN HEELS: Dr. Scholl's Love Your Heels & Wedges 3/4 Length Insoles provide clinically proven all-day cushioning and protection, instantly eliminating discomfort from high heels, so you can wear your stylish shoes longer without sacrificing comfort.
  • CUSHION FLEX TECHNOLOGY: Featuring Cushion Flex Technology, these insoles offer arch support that helps redistribute pressure from the ball of your foot and flexes with each step, reducing foot aches and enhancing comfort while wearing heels.
  • DISCREET SUPPORT: The clear design ensures these insoles provide necessary support and comfort while remaining almost invisible, preserving the look and style of your heels.
  • SLIM AND VERSATILE: The slim 3/4 length design ensures toes are not crowded, and shoes do not feel tight. These insoles are also removable without damaging the shoes, allowing you to transfer them between different pairs as needed.
  • FITS ALL HIGH HEELS: These insoles are versatile enough to fit virtually all heel types that are 2 inches or higher, including open-toe heels, heeled boots, pumps, wedges, stilettos, and platform heels, making them essential for any high heel wearer.
Bestseller No. 2
Dr. Scholl's Soft Cushioning Insoles for High Heels, New Packaging
  • Soft Cushioning Insoles: The insoles provide cushioning and comfort for high heels.
  • High Arch Support: The insoles have a high arch support design to help alleviate arch pain.
  • Rubber Material: The insoles are made of a durable rubber material that resists wear and tear.
  • Foam Footbed: The insoles have a foam footbed that molds to the shape of your foot.
  • Female Targeted: The insoles are designed specifically for women and their unique foot shapes.
Bestseller No. 3
ZUCNANA Ball of Foot Cushions (2 Pairs Gel Shoe Inserts), Heel Inserts for Women, Non Slip Heel Pads, Heel Cushions for Women Foot Pain Relief and Comfort, One Size Fits Any (Clear)
  • WEARING SHOES WITHOUT PAIN: ZUCNANA ball-of-foot cushions are made by premium and soft gel. No matter you work, dance, or go shopping in heels, these metatarsal pads provide great cushioning and shock absorption, and help relieve foot pain
  • NON-SLIP DESIGN: Our non-slip heel pads are designed to meet the shape of human feet, to keep your feet in position, and to prevent them from sliding forward in heels by adding grips
  • SELF-STICKY BACK: Our heel inserts come with a sticky back to keep them in place in your shoes. If you want to wash and reuse them, just simply peel them off, wash with water, let them dry, and they will be functioning as good as new
  • ONE SIZE FITS ALL: Our shoe inserts fit all foot sizes, and are suitable for all kinds of shoes. Please be aware that our heel cushions Do occupy a little of room in your shoes, and make sure there is enough space for your shoes
  • WALKING WITH BIG SMILE: With our comfortable metatarsal pads, there is nothing like the confident smile you have as wearing your favorite brand heels and attending your important events
Bestseller No. 4
Dr. Scholl's Love Your Heels & Wedges Ball of Foot Cushions for Women, 1 Pair, Metatarsal Pads Women - All-Day Comfort for High Heels - Relieve & Prevent Shoe Discomfort, No Sliding Stopper Pads
  • ALL-DAY CUSHIONING AND PROTECTION: Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot Cushions for Women provide continuous cushioning and protection, allowing you to wear your favorite heels without the typical discomfort, perfect for prolonged use in high heels.
  • PERFECT FOR HIGH HEELS: These cushions fit comfortably in high heels and other elevated shoes, preventing toe scrunch and making high heels more enjoyable to wear for any occasion.
  • RELIEF FROM BALL OF FOOT PAIN: These metatarsal pads for women relieve and help prevent pain in the ball of the foot, enabling you to comfortably wear pumps, wedges, and heels all day or night.
  • TARGETED GEL COMFORT: Made with soft gel, these ball of foot cushions offer targeted relief and superior shock absorption to reduce discomfort, ensuring all-day comfort in your most stylish shoes.
  • SECURE NO-SLIDE FIT: Designed to stay firmly in place, these pads prevent your feet from sliding forward, with padded cushioning that acts as a stopper, enhancing shoe fit and comfort.
Bestseller No. 5
Walkize Metatarsal Pads Women | Heel Inserts for Women | Ball of Foot Cushions (2 Pairs Foot Pads) All Day Pain Relief and Comfort One Size Fits Shoe Inserts (Beige)
  • INSTANT RELIEF – Whether you’re at the office, dancing the night away, or out shopping with your girlfriends, our shoe inserts will give you the protection you need.
  • LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD – We all want to look great in our high heels but we know it can come at a price. The sexier the heels the more our feet are in agony. With our amazingly soft, gel based, and cloth covered high heel inserts we can finally enjoy our day free from pain.
  • FEEL LIKE YOU ARE WALKING ON CLOUDS – Enjoy every step you take with confidence and comfort. Now you can wear all of your favorite heels all day or night without worry.
  • NO SLIP NO PROBLEM – Our adhesive foot pads will stay in place all day with no risk of ruining your favorite pair of shoes.
  • LIFETIME SATISFACTION GUARANTEE – If this product does not relieve your ball of foot pain simply let us know and we will refund you in full! No Questions Asked. We stand behind our product and we know that it will help you.
Bestseller No. 6
Work All-Day Superior Comfort Insoles (with) Massaging Gel, Women, 1 Pair, Trim to Fit
  • CLINICALLY PROVEN ALL-DAY SUPERIOR COMFORT: Dr. Scholl’s Work All-Day Insoles for Men deliver proven comfort throughout the day, for hard-working feet. Designed for those with physically demanding jobs and active, on-your-feet lifestyles
  • ELIMINATES TIRED, ACHY FEET & LEGS TO STAY ENERGIZED: Distributes foot pressure evenly to reduce fatigue and joint strain, eliminates sore muscles, and keeps you feeling more energized even during your longest work day
  • MASSAGING GEL TECHNOLOGY: The only extended gel cushioning that reduces impact and shock to muscles and joints from working long hours on hard surfaces like asphalt, concrete, cement, hard dirt, and wood floors - helping reduce daily foot and leg stress
  • RESPONSIVE CUSHIONING FOR ENHANCED ENERGY RETURN: Adaptive cushioning responds to movement and delivers energy back into every step, improving comfort at each key area of your foot for long-lasting support and fatigue-fighting power
  • ADVANCED ODOR CONTROL FOR FRESHNESS: New Polygiene StayFresh Technology provides foot odor control and helps reduce moisture buildup to keep your feet feeling fresh. Trim-to-fit sizing allows easy customization for most work shoes and boots
Bestseller No. 7
YBEATY 4 Pairs Gel High Heel Insoles and Heel Pads Self-Adhesive Sandal Inserts Insoles Anti Slip Clear Comfortable Shoe Support Arch Support for Women Sandals Flats Pumps Boots Pumps Dress Shoes Snea
  • 【What You Will Receive】Our heel pads for shoes are a practical combination of 2 pairs of arch support insoles and 2 pairs of heel pads with sufficient quantity to meet daily use and replacement needs. Our heel inserts for women comes complete without requiring additional accessories, ready for immediate use upon unboxing and compatible with most common shoe sizes and types.
  • 【Trusted Material】Our high heel inserts for women are meticulously made from high-quality silicone with flexible texture and excellent elasticity that remains durable and resistant to deformation or damage. Our high heel inserts weight shifting uses high-grade silicone material with comfortable skin-friendly touch that maintains stable performance even during long-term use.
  • 【Arch Support】Our shoe gummies for heels adopt an ergonomic arch support design that effectively distributes foot pressure and enhances comfort during walking and standing. Our gel insoles for women provide excellent cushioning effect that reduces foot burden, suitable for extended wear.
  • 【Strong Adhesive】Our high arch support inserts women features strong adhesive backing with firm adhesion that prevents slipping and delivers stable anti-slip performance. Our insoles for heels allows easy adhesive removal without leaving residue, high heel sneakers enabling effortless replacement and adjustment.
  • 【Wide Range of Uses】Our heel pads for high heels can adapt to various shoe types including high heels, flats, and sports shoes to meet different wearing scenario needs. Our heel pads for high heels are suitable for daily commuting as well as work, travel and multiple scenarios with strong practicality.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Metatarsal Pads for Women & Men (4 Pads) Ball of Foot Cushions, High Heel Cushion Foot Pads for Pain Relief & All Day Comfort, Anti Slip Heel Insert for Women, One Size Fits All (Clear)
  • Enhanced Comfort: Metatarsal pads women provide cushioning to relieve pressure and pain in the ball of the foot, ensuring all-day comfort in high heels.
  • Pain Relief: Metatarsal foot pads for balls of feet and shoe pads inserts are specially designed to alleviate pain associated with conditions like metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis, providing targeted support where needed most.
  • Prevents Slipping: Ball of foot cushions for women keep feet securely in place, preventing sliding forward in shoes and reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
  • Versatile Usage: High heel comfort pads are suitable for various shoe types including high heels, sandals, and dress shoes, making them ideal metatarsal pad for any occasion or footwear choice.
  • Discreet and Easy to Use: These shoe cushions for women are Clear, blending seamlessly with footwear and easy to apply or remove as needed.

Choosing the Perfect Insoles for Your Heels: A Buyer’s Guide

High heels look great, but they can hurt your feet. Good insoles can make a huge difference. They cushion your feet and help you stand taller for longer. This guide helps you pick the best ones for your favorite shoes.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for heel insoles, check these important features first:

  • Targeted Cushioning: Look for pads specifically designed for the ball of your foot or the heel cup. These areas take the most pressure.
  • Gel or Foam Density: Thicker gel or foam usually means more comfort, but make sure it fits inside your shoe without making it too tight.
  • Adhesive Strength: The insole must stick firmly to your shoe. If it slides around, it won’t help and might cause blisters.
  • Thin Profile: For dress shoes or tight pumps, you need very thin insoles. Thick ones might push your foot up and out of the shoe.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of the insole affects how long it lasts and how well it works.

Improving Quality:
  • Durable Materials: Insoles made with high-quality, resilient gel or memory foam last longer. Cheap foam flattens quickly.
  • Breathable Tops: A fabric top layer keeps your feet cooler. This stops sweat and odor buildup.
  • Precise Cutting: Well-made insoles have clean edges and fit the shape of the shoe perfectly.
Reducing Quality:
  • Weak Glue: If the adhesive peels off after one use, the insole is low quality.
  • Stiff Plastic: Some very cheap pads use hard plastic instead of soft gel. These offer no real cushioning.
  • One-Size-Fits-All Trap: Insoles that claim to fit every shoe size often don’t fit any shoe size well.

Important Materials Used in Heel Insoles

Insoles use different materials to provide support and cushion.

  • Silicone Gel: This is the most popular material. It molds to your foot shape and absorbs shock very well. It is often transparent or colored.
  • Memory Foam: This material recovers its shape slowly. It offers a soft, custom feel but can sometimes compress too much in very tight shoes.
  • Fabric/Suede Covers: These soft outer layers cover the gel or foam. They stop your foot from sticking to the sticky padding.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about when and why you wear heels. This helps you choose the right type of insole.

For Long Work Days:

If you stand all day in pumps, you need full-length, supportive inserts. These spread the pressure evenly across your foot. Durability is key here.

For Special Events (Short Use):

If you only wear very high stilettos for a few hours, small ‘ball-of-foot’ cushions work best. They prevent that painful burning sensation under the toes.

For Sandals and Open-Toed Shoes:

You must choose clear gel pads. These stick discreetly under the ball of your foot and do not show outside the shoe. They should be very thin.

Good insoles reduce pain, stop slipping, and let you enjoy wearing your heels longer. Always read reviews to see how well the insoles stay put after several hours of wear.


Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Heel Insoles

Q: Will heel insoles make my shoes too tight?

A: Sometimes, yes. Very thick insoles can change the fit. Choose thin gel pads for dress shoes. Always check the thickness before buying.

Q: How long do heel insoles usually last?

A: Most good quality gel insoles last between three to six months with regular use. Foam insoles might compress faster.

Q: Can I wash my heel insoles?

A: Yes, most silicone gel pads can be gently washed with mild soap and water. Let them air dry completely before placing them back in your shoe. Do not machine wash.

Q: Are insoles better than cushions for pain relief?

A: Insoles are generally better because they cover a larger area and stick firmly. Cushions often move around, which can sometimes cause new rubbing.

Q: What is the main benefit of using insoles with heels?

A: The main benefit is cushioning the ball of your foot. This area bears most of your weight when wearing high heels, causing burning pain.

Q: Do these work for flats too?

A: Yes, they do! Flats can also cause foot pain, especially if they have very little padding. Ball-of-foot pads are excellent for ballet flats.

Q: How do I apply the insoles correctly?

A: First, clean the inside of your shoe where the pad will go. Peel off the protective backing. Press the insole firmly into place. Make sure it is facing the right way up.

Q: What if the insole keeps sliding out of my shoe?

A: Poor adhesion is frustrating. Try cleaning the inside of the shoe with rubbing alcohol before sticking the insole down again. If it still slides, you need a new pair with stronger glue.

Q: Should I buy insoles for the heel or the ball of the foot?

A: Most pain in heels comes from the front (ball of the foot). Buy pads designed for the ball of the foot first. If your heel slips out of the shoe, buy a small heel grip instead.

Q: Are gel insoles safe for people with diabetes?

A: People with diabetes should always talk to their doctor or a podiatrist first. While gel is soft, any change in shoe fit could potentially cause pressure spots that heal poorly.